Canadian Auto Workers vote in favour of new union proposal

Nearly 1,000 Canadian Auto Worker’s union delegates have voted unanimously in favour of moving forward with creating a new union with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union (CEP).

The vote is the first of two before the new union can be formed. CEP will be voting on the new union proposal during its convention October 14 to 17 in Quebec City.

“This new union has the potential to change the way workers are represented in this country, bringing about stronger democracy in the workplace and greater community involvement,” said CAW president Ken Lewenza, following the vote.

“This union will pose a serious challenge to the unrepresentative, unfair economic and political systems workers now find themselves caught in.”

CEP president Dave Coles thanked CAW delegates for supporting the shared vision of a new union and accepting change and a new kind of labour movement.

He stressed that the power of the new union is in its potential to build a better life for workers in this country and around the world.

The new union would represent more than 300,000 members in every province.